Saturday and Sunday during winter lockdown can still be fun, trust us.
And whilst it is tempting to lounge on the sofa and admire your plants all day, you’ll really feel the benefit of scheduling in plans, no matter how small. Here’s five ways to not only occupy yourself, but also to be a little greener this weekend.
1. Listen to The Dirt Podcast
If you have mastered plant parenthood inside, why not challenge yourself to get out in the garden by attempting to grow some fruit and veg? The Dirt Podcast, put together by our friends at Grow Your Own magazine celebrates the failures on allotment life as much as the successes, as well as offering handy hints and tricks along the way. Episodes are between 30 minutes to an hour in the length so make the perfect listening while you’re getting up and ready or when cooking dinner. Often they are joined by guests and experts to give you a real insight into the wonderful world of allotments. And, with lockdown forcing many of us to slow down and adjust our lifestyles, we going to back to basics and growing your own fruit and veg could be a rewarding hobby to boost your mood.
2. Start your Christmas shopping early – and go independent
This year smaller businesses will need supporting more than ever. And while some shops on the high street are not physically allowed to open at the moment, you could always check out their online store. Alternatively, Etsy and Not On The High Street showcase a wide variety of independent sellers who offer unique and one-of-a-kind items that make for the perfect Christmas present. Don’t forget our Christmas range has just launched – you can shop it here.
3. Go for a country walk
The weather has been seasonably mild this week, so make the most of it and get out for a walk before it makes a turn for the worst. Ditch your car, grab your comfiest old trainers or wellies and just begin. You’ll be surprised by the amount of possible walking routes you will discover. Just 30 minutes is enough, as doing this daily is said to increase cardiovascular fitness, strengthen bones, reduce excess body fat, and boost muscle power and endurance. Plus, walking is great for the planet as one study concluded that walking a mile and a half would release 75 percent less greenhouse gases than we would produce from driving the same distance. We’re sold!
4. Cook something vegan
With restaurants having to close for a few more weeks under the second lockdown rules, there has never been a better time to get creative in the kitchen. And why not give veganism a go? Researchers at the University of Oxford found that cutting meat and dairy products from your diet could reduce an individual's carbon footprint from food by up to 73 per cent. If you’re in need of some recipe inspiration, check out some plant-based warming dishes from Rebel Recipes, like this soup.
5. Send some baked goods to a loved one
Socialising has changed so much in 2020, so even if you can’t physically hang out with your friends, there are other ways of letting them know you’re thinking of them. The Exploding Bakery offers all kinds of treats that cater to all kinds of diets from vegan to gluten-free, so no one has to miss out. Better still, you can even send ‘letterbox brownies’ so there's no need to worry about pre warning your friend to expect a delivery as these treats can be seamlessly posted through their door. Nothing tells a friend ‘I love you’, better than a freshly baked brownie!